Freed-Hardeman men's basketball was picked ninth nationally in the NAIA preseason poll released Tuesday, while FHU's women were picked second and Bethel's women were picked fourth.

The FHU men were 28-4 last year and NAIA tournament participants, and they return stars Orlando Bass (who redshirted last year), Isaiah Harrison and Evan Forhetz.

The Freed women finished last season 35-2 with a loss in the national semifinals. They return key guards Taleeah Cross, Brandee Busenlehner and Kenley Crowell and welcome Dresden product Carrie Hatchel and Riverside grad Bree Linton among their newcomers. FHU received one first-place vote.

Bethel's women finished 32-4 with a loss in the round of eight, and they count Jackilann Street (Bradford High), Martessia Williams, Cayla Sheets (Madison Academic) and Jasmine Whittemore (Gibson County) among their returnees.

Bethel's men, NAIA tournament participants last year, were seventh among teams receiving votes. Cole Nelson, Eddie Green, Marcus Burnett and Huntingdon's Justice Scott are among the returnees. USJ's Nigel Peeples and Sacred Heart's Tay Gibbs are two of the newcomers.

The men from Dalton State (Ga.) and women from Campbellsville (Ky.) start the year ranked No. 1.